When Congress gave final approval to an overhaul of the nation’s intelligence system the week of Dec. 6, it was a good illustration of the George W. Bush method of legislative politics.

Bush maintained a narrow legislative agenda throughout 2004, and stayed at the periphery of House-Senate negotiations on the intelligence bill (S 2845) for months. Only in the final weeks did he take a firm stance and intervene with recalcitrant lawmakers — and then only after success looked attainable and Republican leaders, who normally handle such matters, told him it was necessary.

The victory on the most significant bill Congress passed during the year contributed to Bush’s 72.6 percent success rate on congressional votes where he took an unambiguous stand in 2004. Though the lowest score of his presidency, it was the highest success rate for an incumbent seeking re-election since Jimmy Carter achieved a 75.1 percent success score in 1980.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 10:04 AM | Basie! Home